Freedom of conscience underpins many of the other human rights that we all enjoy. This is why the right to express your belief is enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, this freedom is being marginalised.

The Global Charter of Conscience will bring religious tolerance back to the centre of public debate, and it will help future generations engage freely in the public life of their nation.

The Charter has been drafted by people of many faiths and none, politicians of many persuasions, academics and NGOs, all committed to a partnership on behalf of "freedom of thought, conscience and religion" for people of all faiths and none.

The Charter calls for the cultivation of civility and the construction of a civil public square that maximises freedom for everyone. It provides a vision and framework to help us discuss and resolve our present problems in a constructive, rights-honouring manner. This is long term work but we need to start now.

In the coming months, Charter supporters will be providing opportunities to reflect on what is needed to help make the world genuinely "safer for diversity." We invite all people of good will to join the conversation.

This is a powerful document. The potential to inspire practical commitment and to contribute to a better understanding of human rights in general is enormous.

Prof Dr Heiner BielefeldtUN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

This is a unique and timely document, an excellent and detailed follow-up to Article 18 and will hopefully serve as an international rallying point for all.

Habib Charles MalikPhD, Lebanon

The Charter calls for a new and
deeper vision of freedom of thought, conscience
and religion. These freedoms must be
respected everywhere despite global
challenges such as growing diversity and
coexistence of different worldviews.